The apology comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa placed the minister on special leave for two months, one of which will be unpaid, for breaching the lockdown regulations.

JOHANNESBURG – Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has asked for forgiveness after admitting to breaching government’s lockdown regulations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed Ndabeni-Abrahams on special leave for two months, one of which will be unpaid.

On Sunday she was photographed having lunch with ANC MP Mduduzi Manana and other people at his home, disregarding social distancing rules.

“I regret the incident and am deeply sorry for my actions. I hope that the president and you South Africans will find it in your hearts to forgive me. The president has put me on special leave. I undertake to abide by the conditions of the leave.”

Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams’ lapse of judgement has cost her.

And now she’s trying to make amends by apologising for her actions.

In a video recording, Ndabeni-Abrahams admits to breaking the lockdown regulations by having lunch with a group of people at the invitation of Manana.

Her actions drew the ire of many South Africans and she’s now been taken to task by the president.

Not only will she be placed on special leave for two months, but she will also forfeit her salary for one of those.